One-Handed Current Meter With Swivel Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current meters with movable and stationary receiving elements require both hands to operate in constricted spaces, posing safety risks due to the need to grasp and isolate cables, and are difficult to use when cables are closely arranged, often preventing measurements from being taken.
Innovation Solution
A current meter with a swivel element and a handle that allows for one-handed operation, where the activating force is converted into a displacement force to move the receiving elements along a lengthwise axis, enabling the device to be used in tight spaces without spreading outward, and incorporating a restoring element to secure the cable and prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the field receiver is opened outwardly in the radial direction to introduce a cable, then the cable can be received for measurement, but both hands are required to grasp and isolate the cable, posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical grasping and isolating of cables with a non-contact measurement system. The field receiver generates a magnetic field that penetrates the cable insulation, allowing current measurement without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the safety risk of electrocution while maintaining the ability to receive and measure cables.
2Ease of operation
If the movable receiving element is spread apart in the radial direction, then the field receiver can receive a cable, but the device takes up more space and cannot be used in constricted areas with closely arranged cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the opening direction from radial (outward) to longitudinal (along the device axis). The first receiving element moves parallel to the device length rather than expanding the width. This dimensional change allows the field receiver to open in tight spaces without increasing its lateral footprint, enabling use in constricted areas with closely arranged cables.
3Ease of operation
If both hands are required to operate the current meter, then the cable can be securely grasped and isolated, but the user has no hand free for safety purposes such as activating emergency off switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for manual cable grasping and isolating with a non-contact field-based measurement system. The field receiver measures current through the cable insulation without physical contact, allowing one-handed operation. This frees the other hand for safety purposes such as activating emergency off switches or handling other safety-critical tasks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient one-handed current measurements in constricted conditions, allowing for precise cable selection and secure holding without risking electrocution, even when cables are closely arranged.
Implementation Method 1
an angle is subtended between a first leg and a second leg of the swivel element, wherein the first leg, especially a free end of the first leg, is coupled to the handle and the second leg, especially a free end of the second leg, is coupled to the first receiving element, these being movable relative to each other, so that upon activating the handle an activating force engaging with the first leg can be generated, wherein this activating force can be converted by the swivel element into a displacement force on the second leg, directed transversely to the activating force
Implementation Method 2
a magnetically conducting field receiver having a first receiving element and a second receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A current meter having a movably mounted swivel element, in which an angle is subtended between a first leg and a second leg of the swivel element. A free end of the first leg is coupled to the handle and a free end of the second leg is coupled to the first receiving element, these being movable relative to each other, so that upon activating the handle an activating force engaging with the first leg can be generated. The activating force can be converted by the swivel element into a displacement force on the second leg, directed transversely to the activating force, so that by this displacement force the first receiving element can be moved.